The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Richard Donald Greer, Jr. (NSN: 0-124279), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Sea Area on 25 October 1944. Participating in a strike against major units of an enemy Task Force including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers, Lieutenant Greer braved intense anti-aircraft fire to press home a skillful torpedo attack and released his torpedo at close range on a hostile battleship, thereby inflicting severe damage on the enemy. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Richard Donald Greer, Jr. (NSN: 0-124279), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during action against enemy Japanese forces at Manila Bay, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 5 November 1944. Participating in a bold aerial strike against a heavy Japanese cruiser of the NACHI Class, Lieutenant Greer pressed home a determined attack to an extremely close range and, despite intense anti-aircraft fire, scored a direct hit on the hostile ship. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.